Friday, May 13, 2005

PTA conference rejects ex-gays but allows gay activist group

Please read this excerpt from The Washington Times, and then take the recommended action!The 6 million-member National Parent-Teacher Association has agreed for a second year to feature a pro-homosexual group at its annual convention, while rejecting a group that says homosexuality is not an inborn trait. The National PTA, representing 26,000 local affiliates, solicited a workshop and exhibit by Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) for public school action against anti-homosexual beliefs at the PTA's convention next month, Ron Schlittler, PFLAG executive director, told The Washington Times. But another group, Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays and Gays (PFOX) of Alexandria, was rejected as an exhibitor at the June 24-26 convention in Columbus, Ohio, because the PTA and its members "have not identified homosexuality or same-sex marriage as an issue," according to Jennifer Gaster Sopko, National PTA spokeswoman in Chicago.Mrs. Sopko declined to explain the participation of PFLAG. Mr. Schlittler said the National PTA solicited PFLAG's involvement last year at its convention in Anaheim, Calif., because of the group's campaign to "end rampant anti-gay bullying" in schools. He said PFLAG's application was initially rejected, but Warlene Gary, then the National PTA's chief executive officer, reinstated the group's workshop and exhibit table after he and other activists planned an all-day "teach-in" during the convention at a hotel across the street. Miss Gary was previously the National Education Association's human and civil rights director and the school union's liaison to homosexual interest groups. "This year, we received an invitation to apply again," Mr. Schlittler said. "We're doing the entire full-on, everything."ACTION NEEDED

Please tell the National PTA to allow equal access to ex-gay ministries like Parents and Friends of ExGays and Gays (PFOX). PFOX is a national organization that supports families touched by homosexuality, advocates for the ex-gay community, and educates the public on sexual orientation. PFOX's statement of principles is found at www.pathinfo.org.Your letter will be sent to PTA deputy executive director Michael W. Cathey, public relations manager Jenni Gaster Sopko, and meetings/exhibits coordinator David Erickson.